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Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Chest Coding:

32420-32422 Make Way for 4 New Thoracentesis and Pleural Drainage Codes in 2013

Published on Sun Oct 14, 2012

Wording changes clarify common aspiration coding questions.If you code for a group that provides chest tube services, you have some new codes coming your way. When CPT® updates become effective on Jan. 1, 2013, there will be new options for aspiration and drainage. Helpful hint: Be sure to review the revised rules for reporting imaging guidance.Look at Lung Additions, Deletions, and Revisions, TooCoding for removal of fluid from the chest cavity will look a little different in the New Year.Deleted: Expect CPT® 2013 to delete these codes:32420, Pneumocentesis, puncture of lung for aspiration32421, Thoracentesis, puncture of pleural cavity for aspiration, initial or subsequent32422, Thoracentesis with insertion of tube, includes water seal (e.g., for pneumothorax), when performed (separate procedure).Added: In their place, you can expect to see four new codes:32554, Thoracentesis, needle or catheter, aspiration of the pleural space; without imaging guidance32555, ...with imaging guidance32556, Pleural drainage, percutaneous, with insertion of [...]
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